15 Amazing Waterfalls In Mexico To Add To Your Bucket List
Mexico is not just beaches, tequila, and tacos. It’s an immense, diverse country, and some of its best scenery has nothing to do with the coast at all.
I’ve lived in Mexico for 10 years now, and it’s my second home. Waterfalls have always fascinated me and make great scenery for my photography, so when I left Cancun to travel around Mexico for a year, I made it my goal to visit as many as I could. From the mountains of the Sierra Gorda to the deserts of Chihuahua to the jungle of Chiapas, I chased waterfalls across most of the country.
Below are the 16 I’d actually send you to, organized by region, with real heights, real directions, and honest opinions on which ones are worth the effort and which ones are overrated. If you know of one I’ve missed, tell me, and I’ll add it.
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11 Amazing Waterfalls In Mexico
1. The Huasteca potosina – San Luis Potosฤซ
The Huasteca Potosina is a region in San Luis Potosรญ defined by its network of rivers and waterfalls. You need at least four full days to see everything, and I cover the whole region in my Huasteca Potosina guide. Here are the three waterfalls worth prioritizing.
1. Tamul
Quick Facts:
- Height: around 105m, up to 300m wide in rainy season
- Location: Aquismรณn municipality, about a 2-hour drive from Ciudad Valles
- How to get there: boat tour required, roughly 2 hours round trip; hire a taxi in Ciudad Valles if you don’t have a car, since public transportation doesn’t reach the area
- Bring: water shoes (or buy them there for a few dollars) and a dry bag for your phone
Tamul is the most scenic and adventurous waterfall in the Huasteca Potosina. When you arrive, you join a boat tour to reach it, and you have to row yourself, though if you can’t, the guide will do it for you. At a certain point you’ll walk along the river for a bit, and on the way back you’ll stop at a cave where you walk again.
It’s a full experience: you watch the waterfall, swim in the floating river, swim in the cave, and make friends with whoever else is on your boat.
If you don’t have a car, it’s advisable to hire a taxi in Ciudad Vieja to take you there and wait for you, as public transportation doesn’t reach that area.
2. Tamasopo
Quick Facts:
- Location: 2-hour bus ride from Ciudad Valles
- How to get there: the bus drops you right at the gate
- Facilities: manicured garden grounds with bathrooms, changing rooms, and restaurants
Tamasopo waterfalls and parks are a 2-hour bus ride from Ciudad Valle. In this case, the bus will drop you off right there by the gate.
Tamasopo’s waterfalls and parks make for a relaxed day where you can swim, jump, and mess around in the pools.
The surrounding area is a manicured garden with bathrooms, changing rooms, and restaurants.
PRO TIP: From Tamasopo, hail a taxi to Puente de Dios, a set of smaller waterfalls nearby. Note this is a different Puente de Dios from the one in the Sierra Gorda, Querรฉtaro, further down this list, same name, two unrelated places. This one is a 30-minute walk from a small village with its own bus station back to Ciudad Valles. More detail in my Huasteca guide.
Read more in my Huasteca Potosina guide.
3. El Salto del Meco
Quick Facts:
- Location: north of Ciudad Valles, tucked among villages and woods
- How to get there: taxi or your own car required, no public transportation
- Best time: wet season, the falls run dry otherwise
This one is well hidden and easy to miss if you go in the dry season, when there’s simply no water to fall. Time it for the wet season and you’ll find the blue you’re looking for.
North of Ciudad Valle, opposite from the previously mentioned waterfalls, very hidden within a maze of villages and woods, you will find this spectacular waterfall. Make sure you get there in the wet season, maybe the colors are not so blue, but you will be sure to find the fall. When it’s dry, there is no water to…fall. (see picture above).
To get there you will need to hire a taxi unless you have your car. No public transportation to get there.
Waterfalls in the Copper Canyon, Chihuahua
The Copper Canyon is one of the most incredible natural wonders of Mexico that stole my heart. I traveled around the entire region for about three weeks by train, then stayed in Creel for a while to explore the area.
I felt it was not enough to see it all.
It’s a playground for outdoorsy and nature lovers, offering a wealth of activities and attractions. This reminds me that I still have to write a post about it. In the meantime, let me tell you about the best waterfalls that you can visit from Creel, Cusarare, and I will talk about it in the next section.
4. Cusarare
You can reach Cusarare Falls from Creel, the quaint Pueblo Magico in the heart of the Copper Canyon. The Cusarare Falls are located in a park only 30 km from Creel. But there is no public transportation, so the best way to get there is either by renting a car, joining a tour, or hiring a taxi. Anything is doable from Creel itself.
Once you enter the park, you can enjoy a nice, easy walk across boulders and along the river for about 30 to 40 minutes until you find vendors, which means you are close to the falls.
The fun part is that you will get on top of the fall first, where you have a spectacular view of the whole site, and from there, you can hike down to the bottom and walk right up to the water. So much fun. You can see both images here.
6. Basaseachic Falls
Quick Facts:
- Height: 246m (807 ft)
- Location: Basaseachic National Park, western Chihuahua, Sierra Madre Occidental
- How to get there: join an organized tour from Creel, bus connections in the area are unreliable
Basaseachi Falls is located within the Basaseachi National Park, on the western side of the state of Chihuahua, in the heart of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range.
The park is named after Basaseachic Falls – Cascada de Basaseachic – which is considered the tallest waterfall in Mexico, with a height of 246 m (853 ft).
How to get to Falls I have to be honest, I didn’t make it there because I was traveling with a friend and we tried to go on our own from Creel on the way to Chihuahua, the Capital City.
We got off the bus at an intersection where we were supposed to hop on another bus, which never came, or it came but never stopped. We also tried hitchhiking, but with no success.
So we gave up and went straight to the capital. If we had known it before, we would have joined an organized tour from Creel. That’s what I recommend you do.
In Creel, you will find local travel agencies selling daily tours, and sometimes it’s more convenient to join one of those, even if you are a fan of DIY trips.
I know it’s much better to go on your own. But there are simply not enough bus connections in the area. My friend and I had to hitchhike the majority of the time, and to be honest, I wouldn’t have done that by myself.
The safest way, whether you are on your own or with somebody, is to join local tours (unless you have your car) so that you won’t have to worry about finding transportation to get back.
Jalisco waterfalls
7. Quimixto – Jalisco
Quick Facts:
- Location: north of Puerto Vallarta, no road access
- How to get there: bus to Boca de Tomatlรกn, then boat to Quimixto
- Hike: simple hike from the village to the waterfall
If you are staying in Puerto Vallarta for a few days, you should include Quimixto on your list of things to do.
The pretty little village is home to one of the best-secluded beaches north of Puerto Vallarta.
The fun fact is that to reach Quimixto and the nearby bays, you need to take a bus to Boca de Tomatlan and then take a boat. There is no road access to Quimixto.
Although it is popular among tourists and locals, the beach still appears untouched and pristine, with a hidden eco-hotel and a delicious restaurant where you can rent a sunbed if you want or just enjoy a lovely lunch on the beach.
But before that, you will need to hike to the waterfall. It’s a simple hike, and although the waterfall is not as spectacular as many others on this list, it’s still a pretty view, worth the hike.
8. Yelapa Waterfalls – Jalisco
Quick Facts:
- Location: 30 minutes by boat from Boca de Tomatlรกn
- How to get there: bus from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlรกn, then boat
- Hike: 30 minutes on foot from the beach, through town
Yelapa is another small village that is reachable only by boat from Boca de Tomatlan, which is only 30 minutes by bus from Puerto Vallarta.
Yelapa is a much more popular site compared to Quimixto, but not one of my favorites, to be honest. If I had to choose between the two, Quimixto is the winner without any doubt.
However, if you have time, you can go and explore. It has its charm as well.
Also in Yelapa, you can find a cute little waterfall, 30 minutes hike from the beach.
You will have to walk through tow,n from which you will enjoy amazing views of the bays, before reaching the tiny waterfall.
A pleasant walk and very safe, even if you travel by yourself.
Waterfall of Mexico – Chiapas
Chiapas is probably the greenest state, so rich in amazing natural wonders, and where I believe you can find the highest number of waterfalls in Mexico.
Among the places you must visit in Chiapas, El Chiflon Waterfall should be your number one priority.
8. El Chiflon
Quick Facts:
- Height: 120m total across the chain; Velo de Novia, the main fall, drops 70m
- Location: near San Cristรณbal de las Casas
- How to get there: local tour recommended (car rental must come from Tuxtla Gutiรฉrrez, none available in San Cristรณba
Usually, travelers love to be based in the pretty San Cristobal de Las Casas and take trips from there.
However, it is quite difficult to get to all the most beautiful places on your own unless you have a lot of time on your hands or a car rental (which you must rent from Tuxtla Gutierrez, as there is no car rental in San Cristobal).
The good news is that there are numerous local tours that are extremely affordable and well-organized.
I visited El Chiflon on a tour that combined the waterfall with the visit to Montebello lagoon, and although a little tight, it was excellent and I had enough time to take all the pictures I wanted of the spectacular waterfalls.
El Chiflon waterfall is a series of waterfalls totaling 120 meters in height, formed by El Suspiro, Angel Wing, and Velo de Novia (Veil of Bride), the latter with the most impressive fall of 70 meters.
The best way to enjoy the views is by hiking straight to the Velo de Novia, which you can admire from so close that you will get a great view. But it’s worth it.
Then you can take your time on the way back to admire the other small waterfalls in the San Vincente River.
It’s an amazing full-day trip immersed in nature. I believe this is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Mexico
9. Agua Azul – Chiapas
Quick Facts:
- Location: between San Cristรณbal de las Casas and Palenque
- How to get there: shuttle booked through a local travel agency in Palenque, hard to reach by local bus
- Best time: dry season, for the water to actually run blue
Agua Azul is huge, and like El Chiflon, it’s formed by a series of falls rolling down the hills into pools you can walk along and view from different angles. Some tours combine it with Misol-ha as part of the Palenque to San Cristรณbal transfer. I did that once and it was exhausting, so I wouldn’t recommend stacking both in one day.
Plan around the dry season. I went twice after weeks of rain and got brown water both times, still interesting, but nowhere near as good as the blue (azul) it’s named for.
Some tours include a visit to both waterfalls, Agua Azul and Misol-ha, as part of the transfer from Palenque to San Cristobal or vice versa. I did that, and it’s exhausting, so I wouldn’t recommend it.
The waterfall is huge and, just like El Chiflon, is formed by a series of waterfalls rolling down the hills, forming pools and fascinating cascades of water. You can walk along the falls and watch them from different angles.
Make sure though, you plan your visit during the dry season to see the water blue (Azul). I went twice, and in both cases, it rained for all the previous weeks, and the water was brown. Still interesting to see, but less appealing than seeing the blue pools.
10. Misol-ha – Chiapas
Quick Facts:
- Height: 35m
- Location: 45 minutes by car from Palenque
The water drops straight into a pool you can swim in, surrounded by tropical vegetation, which makes it a genuinely good photo spot. It’s also popular, so expect to share it.
11. Roberto Barrios
Quick Facts:
- Location: day trip from Palenque
- How to get there: local travel agencies run a shuttle service (they call it a tour, it’s really door-to-door transport) since there’s no public transportation
If you are in Palenque, stay an extra day and book a tour to Roberto Barrios. The local travel agencies offer a shuttle service to transport you to and from your hotel, as there is no public transportation available. It’s cheap, safe, and convenient. They call it a tour, but it’s a shuttle service.
The waterfalls are spectacular, nestled in a lush forest, and you will be able to walk on water.
The falls form a few pools, and you can walk from one to another and swim in the bigger ones.
Or you can just chill and relax to the soothing sound of the water.
โข Do I need travel insurance in Mexico? Yes, you do! I can never stress enough what a lifesaver it can be in unexpected situations. Although I hope I never need it, it gives me peace of mind to know that whatever happens, I am covered. I have been using Safety Wing, and I find it quite fair, covering a lot for its pricing level. Depending on your needs or you can compare different insurance companies on this useful site, TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER. Make sure you read carefully what’s included before making the purchase. If you are undecided yet, you can read my post on the best travel insurance for Mexico for more clarity.
Waterfall in Hidalgo
12. Las Grutas de Tolantongo Waterfalls –
Quick Facts:
- What it is: hot spring pools (man-made) plus a natural river and waterfalls
- Full guide: Las Grutas de Tolantongo
I found Las Grutas de Tolantongo one of the most overrated places in Mexico and yet, it is worth mentioning because I am sure you have seen spectacular pictures of graceful models into those emerald green natural pools.
I have tried to reproduce the same kind of picture when I went, but, well I wasn’t successful.
Regardless, the overall scenery is breathtaking, I have to admit. However, the only natural thing about the place is the water.
The pool, of course, is man-made, and they are in the process of building more and more.
Besides the most Instagrammed part of the park, in the pool area, you can also check out the waterfalls and the river, where you can just chill while you let the current give you a natural massage.
Check out my entire article on the Grutas de Tolantongo and learn how to get there and what to do, where I also explain why I didn’t like the place.
Waterfalls in Guerrero Mexico
13. Pozas Azules
Quick Facts:
- Location: 40 minute drive from Taxco
- How to get there: colectivo (minibus) from the main road in Taxco, tell the driver “Pozas Azules,” buses run until 7pm both directions
- Pools: 16 total, though usually only 2 to 8 are open depending on season, hire a local guide to see more of them
For sure off the beaten path, Las Pozas Azules are spectacular green waterfalls located at only a 40-minute drive from Taxco Guerrero.
If you don’t know anything about Taxco, you should. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful among the Pueblos Magicos, full of history and charm, but also surrounded by incredible natural beauty.
And while you are there, you should spend at least 4 days and include a visit to the Pozas Azules and the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, some of the most incredible natural wonders of Mexico.
How to visit Las Pozas Azules- get on a colectivo(minibus) on the main road in Taxco and tell the driver you want to go to the Pozas Azules. The bus will drop you off right at the entrance, and that’s where you can find the one that will take you back to Taxco. Buses run until 7 pm
After a 10-minute walk in a refreshing tropical forest, you will see two beautiful green pools forming several cascades.
That’s what I did. This way, I could have all the pools to myself. It’s just a short hike to get to the other falls, and it’s all worth it.
When you are ready, there are buses to take you back to Taxco every 30 minutes until 7 pm, right at the entrance of the park.
15. Cola de Caballo (Cacalotenango)
Quick Facts:
- Height: around 180m
- Location: Cacalotenango, Guerrero, on the way back from Pozas Azules to Taxco
- Hike: about an hour on foot, local guides available at the trailhead for a few dollars
On the way back from the Pozas Azules to Taxco, you can ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance of the hike to the waterfall Cola de Caballo. In my case, he also called the guide for us.
On the bus, I met another tourist who was happy to join me in this adventure.
I loved those improvisations while I was traveling. As soon as we got off the bus, a local guy who was living nearby reached us and, for a few dollars, showed us the way to the spectacular waterfall.
It was just an hour’s walk to reach this impressive 180m tall waterfall, and the trail was just as beautiful. As we walked through the forest with stunning views over the valley, we passed an old church where, the guide said, locals walk during Holy Week to celebrate Mass.
Worth it.
Waterfalls in Sierra Gorda – Queretaro
15. Puente de Dios
Quick Facts:
- Location: Sierra Gorda, Querรฉtaro
- Hike: easy, along a canyon, crossing a stream on both sides
- Full guide: Sierra Gorda
Not the same Puente de Dios mentioned earlier near Tamasopo, San Luis Potosรญ, that’s a different waterfall with the same name in a different state.
The Sierra Gorda is one of my favorite regions in Mexico: dense biodiversity packed into a small area, old Franciscan missions scattered through the hills, and this is my favorite waterfall on the whole list, not for the fall itself, but for the hike to get there. It’s an easy walk along an impressive canyon, and it sees almost no tourism, which makes it feel like a real find. My full Sierra Gorda guide covers getting there and more.
Waterfalls in Oaxaca
16. Hierve el Agua
Quick Facts:
- What it is: a petrified, limestone “waterfall,” not a real one
- Location: mountains near Oaxaca City
- Best time: early morning, it gets crowded after 10am
Hierve El Agua is not exactly a real waterfall. It’s a petrified waterfall made of limestone that creates an amazing natural monument nestled over the mountain around Oaxaca City.
Underneath the massive waterfall-shaped rock, you will find a couple of natural pools with icy water where I suggest you should swim despite the very low temperature.
Looking at your surroundings from that perspective is indeed an incredible experience.
You can also take a small hike around the waterfall and see it from a different perspective.
I suggest you go on your own very early in the morning so that you can enjoy the place all for yourself. From 10 am, it starts getting crowded and it’s impossible to capture the incredibly mystic atmosphere.
Hierve el Agua is indeed one of the most amazing places to visit in Mexico
Waterfalls in Mexico
What is the tallest waterfall in Mexico?
Piedra Volada, in Chihuahua, is the tallest at 453m, but it only flows seasonally after rain. Basaseachic Falls, also in Chihuahua at 246m, is the tallest waterfall in Mexico that runs year-round, which is why it’s usually the one that shows up on “tallest” lists.
Which Mexican waterfalls are best for swimming?
Misol-ha, Roberto Barrios, and Tamasopo all have pools built for swimming, calm water and easy access. Agua Azul and El Chiflon are swimmable too, just check current conditions since both can get strong after heavy rain.
When is the best time to visit Mexico’s waterfalls?
It depends on the waterfall. Chiapas falls like Agua Azul run their true blue color in the dry season (roughly November to April) and turn muddy after heavy rain. Seasonal falls like El Salto del Meco need the wet season (June to October) just to have water at all. Check the specific entry above before you plan around a season.
Do I need a tour to visit these waterfalls?
For most of them, yes, or at minimum a rental car. Public transportation in Mexico doesn’t reach most waterfalls directly, and several entries above (Tamul, Basaseachic, El Chiflon, Agua Azul, Roberto Barrios) are realistically only accessible by local tour, taxi, or your own car.
Which One Should You Actually Visit?
If you only have time for one region, make it Chiapas. Four of the sixteen waterfalls on this list are there, and El Chiflon is still, after everything I’ve seen since, the one I’d send a first-timer to first. If you’re building a whole trip around waterfalls, the Huasteca Potosina is the better base: fewer big-name single stops, more of a full multi-day circuit.
I’ll keep updating this list as I find more. If you’ve been to one I’m missing, let me know.
The Best Waterfalls in Mexico: Final Thoughts
These are all the spectacular waterfalls I have seen in Mexico. I will update the post as I see more. Make sure you check them out as well.
